UK head coach Mark Stoops announced today that outside linebacker Xavier Peters has been granted immediate eligibility for the 2019 season after transferring from Florida State this summer.

“We’re excited to have Xavier available to play this season,” Stoops said in a statement. “I appreciate the NCAA understanding Xavier’s situation. I also want to thank our compliance office for the great job they did with the appeal and for Xavier’s patience with the process.”

A 6-foot-4, 235-pounder from Middletown, Ohio, Peters redshirted the 2018 season while in Tallahassee. He appeared in two games but preserved his season of eligibility under NCAA rules. He recorded a solo tackle and pass breakup in a win over Wake Forest while seeing action against eventual national champion Clemson.

“I can’t wait to get out there with my team on Saturdays,” Peters said in a statement. “I want to thank the NCAA and everyone at Kentucky who helped make this happen.”

Peters was a highly touted four-star prospect in the class of 2018 and ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in Ohio. He also was the No. 15 outside linebacker in the nation, according to 247Sports, and honored as an Under Armour All-American.

Peters provides a big boost to a defense going up against longtime rival Florida Gators in a sold-out matchup at 7 p.m. this coming Saturday.